ITBP chooses snow leopard as its mascot for archery championship

NEW DELHI: With the aim to create awareness among masses to preserve wildlife and endangered species of the higher Himalayas, Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has chosen the snow leapord as the Mascot of the second All India Police Archery Championship 2013-14.

"Shan- the snow leopard would be the lucky charm of this grand police games event held under the aegis of All India Police Duty Meet (AIPDM),"a release from the force said. Snow Leopards are known as 'Shan' in Laddakhi language and are found in high Himalaya, the snow leopard (Panthera uncia or Uncia uncia) is a moderately large cat native to the higher snow lines.

According to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), only 200 to 600 snow leopards are left in India and they are kept in the list of endangered species by the Union. Snow leopards occupy alpine and subalpine areas generally 3,350 to 6,700 metres (10,990 to 22,000 ft) above sea level. Snow leopards show several adaptations for living in a cold, mountainous environment.

"ITBP is a force that survives with similar adaptations in the higher altitudes. With the promotion of this mascot we are aiming to generate awareness among communities at understanding the big cat's needs, and various factors affecting its life and habitat in order to preserve them," an ITBP officer said.

The Second All India Police Archery Championship-2013-14 will be held in Service and Supply Battalion, ITB Police, Saboli, Sonepat, Haryana begining February 17 to February 21. It is expected that 250 archers of various Central Armed Police and State Police Forces would participate in the event.

Raised in 1962, ITBP guards the Himalayan borders. The force has been deployed in the lap of nature where rare high Himalayan flora and fauna exists. The force has had a great role in preserving the nature in the entire region since its inception.